Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth – SIBO Treatment
Addressing dysbiosis in your small gut with SIBO treatment
Your gut has bacteria living in it, but the amounts vary drastically between the small and large intestine. More specifically, your small intestine normally has 10,000 bacteria per millilitre of fluid, as opposed to the colon, which has 1 trillion bacteria per millilitre of fluid!
Your gut has bacteria living in it, but the amounts vary drastically between the small and large intestine. More specifically, your small intestine normally has 10,000 bacteria per millilitre of fluid, as opposed to the colon, which has 1 trillion bacteria per millilitre of fluid!
What is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?
Although the small intestine also houses bacteria, the bacterial population is much smaller and of a different nature than that found in the colon. Your body prevents the colonic bacteria from over-running the small intestine by the one-way peristaltic waves that constant sweep bacteria from the small intestine to the large intestine and also by the ileocecal valve which prevents backflow into the small intestine.
It is possible though for the small intestine to have an overgrowth of either colonic bacteria or its own bacterial population (hence the term small intestine bacterial overgrowth or SIBO), resulting in an imbalance of bacteria and symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. If this situation persists, then it may give rise to other health problems that, on the surface, seems disconnected from the gut, for example, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions elsewhere in the body.
This being said, do not despair, there is hope to treat SIBO, effectively and naturally. Our naturopathic doctor is well-versed in the nuances of assessing and addressing this gut condition and providing appropriate SIBO treatment.
What are the symptoms of SIBO?
Primary symptoms of SIBO can include the following:
- Abdominal bloating
- Belching
- Heartburn/Reflux
- Gas
- Abdominal pain/Cramping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms
- Carbohydrate intolerance
Secondary symptoms can include the following:
- Increased food sensitivities
- Increased allergies
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Autoimmune activity
- Asthma
- Chronic fatigue/Fibromyalgia
- Generalized inflammation
- Brain fog
How do I test for SIBO?
Find out more about our Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth test options here.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO can be caused by a number of factors, which include (but are not limited to):
- Over use of antibiotics
- Overgrowth of Candida
- Use of acid blockers
- Presence of H. pylori
- Constipation/Low motility in the small intestine
- Gallbladder disease/Liver dysfunction, leading to decreased bile secretion
- Poor digestive enzyme production
- Excessive carbohydrates/sugar/fructose in diet
- Ileocecal valve dysfunction
- Parasitic infections
What is SIBO treatment?
Understanding SIBO, and its subtle and insidious presentation can be overwhelming for you to understand or treat without professional guidance.
Firstly, our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Makoto Trotter, ND, will go through a detailed assessment of all of your symptoms and body systems. The purpose of this is to collect enough information to help with assessing and treating you.
Next, he would discuss appropriate tests for you to help determine if SIBO is an underlying cause of your health concerns.
Finally, SIBO treatment is not a linear plan. It involves a holistic approach that can use a combination of nutritional supplements, diet and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine, acupuncture and stress management.
Addressing SIBO from multiple angles is the most effective approach for long-term resolution of your symptoms and gut optimization.
How would visits work for natural treatment of my SIBO?
- Comprehensive intake to discuss your digestion, immune system, hormones and many other body systems that may be impacting your gut
- Review your diet and digestive symptoms and analyze for potential connections
- Review previous diagnostic tests and reports relevant to your health
- Discuss SIBO test options that are relevant to restoring your gut flora
- Recommend a diet and lifestyle plan that is designed to re-balance gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, support immunity and restore your health
- Recommend nutrients and supplements to support your digestive function
- Discuss herbal medicine options for your SIBO
- Discuss the connection between emotions and your SIBO symptoms and create strategies to improve your stress
- Potentially incorporate acupuncture to re-balance immunity to heal your gut
Our naturopathic doctor, Dr.Makoto Trotter ND, is very experienced treating conditions of digestive dysfunction. He can guide you to re-balance the microbiome in your small intestines with effective natural SIBO treatment. Book an appointment or contact Zentai Wellness Centre for further inquiries.